Cooking class idea: Tactile-challenges work around

AFC Education Coordinator Mary Shaw
taught a Pantry Basics class on March 20

One highlight of a week spent in Ashland, Ore. in order to secure an apartment, was the Pantry Basics class taught by Mary Shaw, March 20 at the Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) Community Classroom.

The class more than met my expectations that it would benefit my family. Shaw displayed a detailed knowledge of ways to save money at the co-op: through weekly sales (accessible via links from the Ashland Daily Tidings and Medford Mail Tribune websites as well as from the co-op website), member coupons in each issue of the co-op newsletter, Co-op Advantage coupons and AFC “Basic Pricing.”

The “Basic Pricing” list is sure to inform us when we shop at the co-op.

Working with seasonal produce, Shaw created a flavorful meal. Its highlight was split mung dal with rice and cauliflower. She included it with a packet of recipes that we got to take home with us at the end of the night.

The “set” for Shaw’s presentation -- a gleaming counter-top and range -- could have been the stage of a televised cooking show. Her presentation was certainly of a quality to engage the interest of an audience.

In response to an evaluation form’s question about interest in additional classes, my family would be interested in nearly every category that was listed on the form. In addition, this autistic gourmand is interested in work-arounds/alternatives for tactile sensitivities related to taste, temperature and texture of food.